On one of our trips to Ireland, our guide convinced us to bet on a horse. We didn’t know anything about it and wouldn’t have even considered such a bet. We didn’t know the horse or the odds, but the suggested bet was €1 each, so it wasn’t too big a risk. We went for it, along with the other members of our group.
We learned a little bit about horse racing in the time between placing the bet and the time of the race. We ended up going to O’Neill’s Pub in Dublin to watch. The place was packed! And it’s a big pub with all kinds of little nooks and crannies all over it. You could barely move in this place. I had no concept for how much Dubliners love a day at the races.
There were big screens in different rooms, (also used for other kinds of sporting events, of course), a fantastic buffet for those who were hungry and pints of Guinness everywhere. When our race finally came on the screen, it was a riot to literally have a horse in the race. And guess what – our horse won! Lord Windermere won the race! We loved the experience of watching “our” horse while we were surrounded by locals and tourists alike, most who seemed like they knew what was going on better than we did. It was such a fun experience.
Some important things to do (even though they may not be so unusual)
Visit Trinity Library and the Book of Kells
I love libraries, and Trinity Library is one of my all-time favorites. It is not off the beaten path. It really is a place you should not miss when you are in Dublin and lots of other people will be visiting with you.
Do some research on the Book of Kells before you go, as this will truly enhance your experience. If you’d like to see these sights for half price or free (prices start at €19 per adult), there are two ways to do it.
Reach out to the library to ask about visiting 30 minutes before the library closes as they have been known to offer reduced priced tickets at that time. The library usually closes at 6:30 PM, but there are some exceptions. You can visit the official website for the latest opening times.
You could also make friends with a student or an alumnus. Students and alumni receive lifetime access to the Old Library and the exhibition. They are allowed to take up to two friends with them. Maybe you’ll make a friend at the pub who can get you in for free!
Learn Some Important History and Perspective
The Great Famine, or The Great Hunger, occurred between 1845 – 1849. The vast majority of the Irish population was dependent on the potato at that time, and when the potato crop failed, there was mass starvation. During this period, 1/3 of the Irish population died, 1/3 emigrated, and 1/3 stayed in their homeland.
